Progress towards rubella elimination after implementation of rubella immunization for over 20 years in Shandong province, China.

ABSTRACT: The rubella vaccine has been included in the immunization program in Shandong province of China since 1995. Here we observed the rubella vaccine coverage, epidemiology, serosurvey, and virological surveillance data, in order to identify the challenges impeding the progress towards to its elimination following the implementation of rubella immunization over a 21-year period in Shandong province. We first noted that the annual increase in vaccination coverage resulted in decreased rate of rubella incidence, which was maintained at a low level. Second, the average age of rubella patients had shifted to the 15-29-year age group, making this group the main population affected by the rubella virus (RV). Third, more than 90% of the study population were immune to rubella. However, the positive ra

SUBMITTER: Wang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5740145 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature